But I plan to go there to see and know the city in general and different neighborhoods in particular.

Quote from @Cynthia Lee: Accepting even $1 could be seen as evidence of a payment plan, and the entire eviction process could be derailed.Once you start the eviction process, to not accept any payment unless it is a full payment in certified funds (cash, money order, cashiers check).

Since you plan to travel often, focusing on systems and building a reliable team: agent, lender, property manager, and contractor. 

The only negotiation with the tenant after the judgment is the payment plan for the money owed to you.

You'll see a hike in rate going from FHA to conventional in general (especially if your plan is to pull some of that equity), but you're also going from owner occupied to investment (if you plan on moving) which is another layer of pricing adjustments.

So from my experience, I’m planning on keeping all the houses that I’ve had a lot of cap ex on.

I'm planning on leveraging that at some point.

The numbers have to work for your business plan or you will end up with a money pit.

I have about 30k right now mostly in a HYSA and am planning to just hang on, I afford everything with my salary and roommates.

Yeah that sounds like a good plan!